Acoustic Performance

We measured the amount of noise produced by the coolers throughout the speed range of their fans according to the method explained above. You can see the result in the next diagram:

Unfortunately, the noise level of Thermaltake FrioOCK is above the subjective comfort level even at the minimal rotation speed of its fans and is very far from being noiseless. It can compete against Thermalright Archon in acoustics only in the 920-1280 RPM rotation speed range, but even at these low speeds two Archon fans work quieter, not to mention the amazingly quiet mode when only one fan is working. If you take a closer look at the comparative noise graph, you will see that high level of noise is the price you will have to pay for superb cooling efficiency of Thermaltake FrioOCK.

Conclusion

The new Thermaltake cooler is totally worth checking out, especially for overclockers who need maximum cooling efficiency at all costs and do not mind the noise. And FrioOCK will prove absolutely up to their expectations. Today this cooler demonstrated exceptionally high efficiency for an air-cooler allowing us to squeeze every last megahertz out of our six-core processor at a substantially high core voltage setting, which is something very few CPU coolers can actually do. So, without a doubt, the new product from Thermaltake will be very popular among overclocking fans, who enjoy challenging super-hot CPUs. This superior cooling efficiency is the reason we are proud to award Thermaltake FrioOCK with our Ultimate Innovation title:

At the same time, note that Thermaltake FrioOCK is far from being acoustically comfortable or quiet even at the lowest rotation speed of its two 130 mm fans. And at the speeds when FrioOCK demonstrates its great cooling efficiency it generates so much noise, that it becomes a less attractive choice than similarly priced Thermalright Archon. Moreover, we believe not all the potential of this cooler has been actually uncovered yet. Arranging the heatpipes inside the heatsink body in a staggered order could help distribute the heat more evenly over the heatsink plates; and removing the plastic casing and using silicone fan mounts instead could lower the noise. These minor modifications could make FrioOCK even more efficient and definitely quieter. And while it is up to Thermaltake engineers to decide whether to use these modifications or not in their future cooler revisions, the cooler choice is totally up to you.